Grandparent criticises school for bringing in more expensive new uniform

A school has been criticised for putting financial pressure on parents by asking them to buy a new redesigned uniform from them rather than at a lower cost from Melton clothing shops.

Grandparent Catherine Allen spoke out on behalf of her single parent daughter Emma, who has two children at Belvoir High School in Bottesford.

She said the additional cost of the uniforms was a worry for her daughter, who is on a low wage.

The school said most items of the new uniform were not mandatory until September 2016 and that financial support was available to parents on low incomes.

Mrs Allen, of Welby Lane, who did not want to name her grandchildren, said: “Everything has changed with the school uniform - the blazer, the tie, the skirt - and it isn’t cheap.

“The children also have to wear polishable shoes as well now so that’s another expense.

“We used to get their school clothes from Kidzone or The Stork in Melton where they were a lot cheaper but now we’ve been told they have to come from the school website and it’s a lot of money for a single parent to find.”

Belvoir High School said the decision to change the uniform was sparked by requests from students, including a petition signed by more than 90 per cent of the girls asking for a new skirt to be introduced.

It was decided to go for a design which had a quality look and which lasted longer, the school added.

Acting head of centre Jane Gant said: “Parents are able to order the uniform through the school’s on-line system, by telephone and by sending an order form into the school shop.

“In future they will have a number of options for buying the uniform, including the possibility of ordering directly from the supplier’s website Price and Buckland.

“The school is also setting up an Eco shop which will sell out-grown uniform items.”

Ms Gant said the new ties were compulsory now but pointed out that the new jackets, skirts and PE kit were not mandatory until a year from now.

She added: “The letters on the school website explain that for those students in receipt of free school meals or pupil premium the school can offer financial support with branded items on sale through the school shop.”

The new uniform can be bought from the school’s website at www.belvoirhigh.leics.sch.uk